Modkha Marine expanded its horizons to Penang Port, setting its sights for the port to become the premier exporting terminal. Essentially, the motivation behind this shift was the need to accommodate larger bulk cargo quantities, as Lumut Port - Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd , capable of transmitting a maximum of 27,000MT, posed a few operational challenges. Despite facing ongoing obstacles and receiving various constructive feedback, Lumut Port - Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd remained committed to enhancing its operations. However, the transition did not meet the ownership's expectations, resulting in a decline in the port's income. Still, credit is due to Lumut Port - Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd as it continues its dedicated efforts to improve performance and promote growth while addressing the needs of its community.
Nonetheless, in the world of business, efficiency is what matters most. Following discussions with Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. , led by their CEO, Modkha Marine orchestrated a significant move. The company's first shipment from Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. to Bangladesh in late April, totaling 28,000MT, displayed remarkable regulation. This success led to European customers requesting a consequent export of 50,000MT of raw semi-plastic ball clay to Castellon, Spain, where the vessel arrived on June 17, 2022, at Penang Port.
During this particular shipment, a dispute came about unexpectedly. When the first truck arrived to unload the cargo at the wharf, the vessel's Ukrainian captain and chief officer raised concerns, claiming the cargo was excessively wet, presenting potential risks during the voyage. This unanticipated conflict escalated, causing financial and reputational damage to Modkha Marine. While our team was confident with the condition of the cargo, a joint sampling test was suggested and performed; the results indeed confirmed its suitability for the voyage.
Nevertheless, following the sampling test, we could only load 44,500MT, which was approximately 80% of the expected quantity. The issue continued, embroiling the buyer, vessel owner, charterer, and transporter, and even gained international attention as lawyers entered the fray. While driven by a desire to protect Ukrainian suppliers' interests, the Ukrainian captain's actions created turmoil for all involved, particularly our new buyer and their partners, thrusting Modkha Marine into the spotlight.
Despite these deterrents, Modkha Marine will keep on thriving in the ever-changing international bulk cargo trade world, ensuring procedures to run smoothly without a hitch. With unwavering support from the XPERTS.MY consortium and our trusted legal partners at Kamilia Ibrahim & CO. (KICO), Modkha Marine remains resilient in the face of adversity, steadfastly embracing the motto #WeAreTheXPERTS.
Connect with us for opportunities towards a more sustainable future in mineral mining and trading. If you have any questions or want to stay updated, reach out to us via email at hello@xperts.my or visit our website at www.xperts.my.
